I attended the annual AZA conference in Atlanta, Georgia in September 2011. I presented an update of ACK studies to the Cheetah Species Survival Plan and the Felid Taxon Advisory Group. Each presentation was brief – just enough to update people interested in cheetah conservation. I spoke about the draft results from the national cheetah survey and its link to the regional cheetah strategies. I also introduced a photo by Guy Combes of a spotless cheetah seen in the Athi-Kapiti and Malili areas of southern Kenya.

Aug 2010 – Report from Lentaam in the Maibae conservancy: Someone in Meibae picked up a tiny cheetah cub from a bush and was calling Lentaam asking what he should feed it. He said he thought it was abandoned. :-( Cosmas told Lentaam to have him to put it back and watch to see if mama came back. In a very short while the mom came and moved the cub – this time the well-wisher left it alone.

Peter Barber returns to Kenya to assist us with operations. Throughout the year we make a list of the mechanical issues that we either do not have the time nor the expertise to fix. Peter is a fundi with a large amount of knowledge on fixing, building and repairing. There are so many things in our house, camp, vehicles and equipement that would be falling apart if it weren't for Peter. Thank you Peter.... we REALLY appreciate you!

I began working for Hogle Zoo in 1989 and spent ten years designing, constructing and repairing animal exhibits. The administration and staff of Hogle Zoo supported me in my first trip to africa and in my first African volunteer projects. To this day, they continue to support the work that has been developed in great part due to their support and encouragement. Members of the staff are not only supportive through their donations of time and funds, but they are also some of my best friends.

I first met Aaron and Diana Hiibel in March 2009 when they drove from Reno to Fresno to develop their support for cheetah conservation by meeting with me at Project Survival (Cat Haven). Later in the year I had the privilege to visit their Ark – a small well managed zoo just outside of Reno, Nevada. Through their facility they took their passion for wildlife into a passion for both local and international conservation and education. The dedicated staff at the Animal Ark drives to the facility outside of Reno to work and volunteer.

Cosmas and I both returned from the field on Friday 12 August. Cosmas left Salama after lunch. Between the new Malili market center and the sign post for the new ICT center a male cheetah ran across the road. Our radio collared cheetah (Jane) crossed the road in nearly the same place in 2009. The new land development will indeed have a huge impact on the cheetahs of that area.

ACK would like to thank Erica Hermsen for her time and patience in data entry and completion of the 2007-2011 (through June 2011) conflict reports. Other volunteers and students have assisted us in entering the forms, but some questions were left blank by our scouts. Erica grilled the scouts for the information that was missing to determine where the questions were not applicable and where the owner/herder refused to answer questions. The scouts enjoyed telling Erica the stories about the farmers and their issues with the predators.

To get your own account on this web site, please send me an email, explaining in correct English who you are and what you intend to do, your username, your full name, and whether your are male or female.